Welcome to the Christmas Season. We just passed the 2nd week of Advent and lit the candle of Peace.” Peace is something that our world craves. Some of our political leaders have advocated the concept of “peace through strength.” Yet the greatest demonstration of peace came when Jesus came into the world and brought us peace. Isaiah 9:6 prophesied “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” And when Jesus came into our world, He said in John 14: 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In our world, our sin separates us from God, and can separate us from family and friends, and it can even create turbulence and an inner void within ourselves. For many, the Christmas season brings reminders of lost loved ones and those we are estranged from. The concept of “peace” comes from the Greek word (εἰρήνη) “eirene" which conveys the idea of peace, quietness, rest, with the concept being “to join.” Sin separates, Peace shows we have been joined back together. When Jesus came into the world, He came to bring us peace. Romans 5:1 says “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Even though Jesus is all-powerful, He didn’t bring peace through displaying that strength, but through His sacrifice. He sacrificed by taking on human flesh and coming into our world and then He sacrificed again by dying on the cross for our sins.
Many times, people are so insistent to be right or to be in control that they flex their muscles and show their strength. That never really solves the problem very well. It may bring people into submission, but it doesn’t bring people together. Jesus demonstrated the better way. Through His sacrifice we can be at peace with God. We can practice His ways with our friends and family (and even enemies) and fine true communion with them. And if we stop fighting to have our own way accomplished in our life, and if we surrender to Jesus, we can finally have that inner peace that we long for. I remembered when I stopped fighting with God, and I let Him be in control, that’s when I found God’s peace that I had been looking for. Let Jesus be your “Prince of Peace” this Christmas and every day of the rest of your life.
In Deepest Christian Love,
Pastor Steve VanAmburg
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